February 8, 2026 @ 4:01 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance has proposed a 0.1% tax on turnover for each crypto-asset transfer conducted through platforms operated by licensed service providers, under a draft circular released for public consultation, The Hanoi Times reported. Under the draft framework, crypto-asset transfers and trading would be… Read More

February 8, 2026 @ 2:30 pm By Nick Morgan  |  

In the latest Capital Ideas episode, hosts Nick Morgan, Dara Albright, and Mark Hiraide of the Investor Choice Advocates Network (ICAN) sat down with Cliff Winston, a non-resident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, to discuss his recent book, Market Corrections, Not Government Interventions: A… Read More

February 8, 2026 @ 12:33 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Euroclear has reported its latest financial results, demonstrating resilience and strategic foresight. As of early February 2026, the company has released seemingly solid year-end figures for 2025, underscoring its ability to navigate market volatility while expanding its influence in international markets. This comes alongside an… Read More

February 8, 2026 @ 12:01 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

PitchBook has indicated that the distressed credit landscape in early 2026 continues to reflect ongoing pressures in leveraged loans and high-yield bonds, particularly in sectors vulnerable to economic shifts and technological disruptions. According to recent analyses shared by PitchBook, the volume of distressed debt has… Read More

February 8, 2026 @ 11:59 am By Michael Wong  |  

South Korea and Indonesia plan to launch a cross-border QR-code payment service in April, allowing visitors to pay at merchants in either country using their domestic QR payment apps, Indonesia’s central bank said. The planned linkage underscores how central banks are increasingly treating retail payments… Read More

February 8, 2026 @ 10:49 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The UK Government has taken a significant step in addressing the rising dangers of AI-generated misinformation by partnering with Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) and other industry professionals to develop a deepfake detection system. On Thursday, February 5, 2026, the Home Office unveiled plans to create what it… Read More

February 8, 2026 @ 10:48 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Cybersecurity insurance provider Cowbell has officially entered the Australian market, unveiling a new program aimed at bolstering digital defenses for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The launch introduces Prime One, a dedicated cyber insurance offering tailored for businesses with annual revenues of up to A$100… Read More

February 8, 2026 @ 10:45 am By Omar Faridi  |  

In a move set to impact alternative investments, global fintech iCapital and investment firm Partners Capital have unveiled an enhanced private equity initiative aimed at broadening access for wealth managers, financial advisors, and their clientele throughout Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Announced recently by… Read More

February 8, 2026 @ 10:44 am By Omar Faridi  |  

In a significant restructuring move announced recently, Remitly (NASDAQ: RELY), an international money transfer service provider, has announced the closure of its research and development facility in Israel, resulting in the elimination of approximately 110 positions. This decision comes roughly three years following the company’s… Read More

February 8, 2026 @ 10:42 am By Omar Faridi  |  

In its latest economic analysis, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CommBank) paints a picture of a global economy entering 2026 with cautious optimism, building on the unexpected strength shown throughout 2025. Despite facing headwinds like trade disputes and international conflicts, the world economy held firm… Read More

February 8, 2026 @ 4:46 am By Omar Faridi  |  

In an effort to address New York City’s ongoing housing crisis, OakNorth, a specialist in commercial lending, has partnered with Oak Funding to extend a $78 million co-loan to real estate developer Bushburg. This financing will facilitate the purchase and redevelopment of 100 William Street,… Read More

February 8, 2026 @ 1:55 am By Omar Faridi  |  

South Korea’s cryptocurrency exchange Bithumb inadvertently distributed approximately 620,000 Bitcoins—valued at over $40 billion—to around 695 users during a routine promotional campaign. The mishap occurred when staff mistakenly credited accounts with 2,000 BTC per recipient instead of the intended modest cash prize of 2,000 Korean… Read More

February 7, 2026 @ 5:04 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

In an environment where digital security underpins global operations, a new report from Entrust reveals persistent gaps in how organizations handle their cryptographic tools. As quantum computing advances loom closer, many businesses are struggling with oversight of encryption keys and certificates, heightening vulnerabilities to data… Read More

February 7, 2026 @ 3:56 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Mobile money services are poised for unprecedented expansion, particularly in emerging markets. According to a recent study by Juniper Research, the number of mobile money users in these regions is projected to surge to 2.2 billion by 2030, representing over 53% of the adult population…. Read More

February 7, 2026 @ 2:47 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Digital bank bunq has indicated that the United Kingdom saw a significant uptick in shared financial transactions last year, reaching a total of £1.16 billion. According to insights from bunq, this figure, equivalent to approximately €1.34 billion, marks a 27.2% growth compared to the £909… Read More

February 7, 2026 @ 2:46 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Starling Bank is now marketing its proprietary banking software to financial institutions in the United States. This initiative seeks to leverage the persistent reliance of many U.S. banks on aging infrastructure, allowing Starling to generate new revenue streams while addressing modernization needs in the US… Read More

February 7, 2026 @ 2:45 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Digital bank Revolut is taking a step forward to manage its own strategy in the capital markets by expanding its internal team dedicated to secondary share sales. Rather than relying on traditional Wall Street investment banks, the company is hiring additional talent to handle these… Read More

February 7, 2026 @ 2:44 pm By Tony Zerucha  |  

Bolt, a checkout, identity, and payments company, this week announced a strategic partnership with Socure to supercharge Bolt ID, its checkout-native identity layer designed to verify real people in real time at the moment of purchase. Bolt has built an ecosystem of merchants and consumers,… Read More

February 7, 2026 @ 8:50 am By Tony Zerucha  |  

PayPal has appointed Enrique Lores as president and CEO, effective March 1. Lores, who has served on the PayPal board for nearly five years and as chair since July 2024, succeeds Alex Chriss. CFOO Jamie Miller will serve as interim CEO until Lores assumes the… Read More

February 6, 2026 @ 10:23 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Electric scooter maker SLEEK EV said it has secured an $8.5 million first close in its Series A funding round, led by KYMCO Capital and backed by more than 20 supply-chain partners from Taiwan and mainland China, as it looks to expand production and charging… Read More